Baguio: The city government of Baguio has commenced the distribution of 50 kilograms of rice to 1,500 households as part of the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) initiative. This marks the first batch of rice aid distribution to qualified beneficiaries.

According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Benjamin Magalong expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the timely release of the funds by the national government before the crisis. This financial support has enabled the city to assist residents in need. The initiative is part of a broader government effort to provide food assistance to indigent families and marginalized sectors in the city.

The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) identified 13,655 qualified families in Baguio who are eligible for the government's food assistance program. The beneficiaries include indigent individuals and families, solo parents, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, minimum wage earners, and bona fide residents of the city. The CSWDO conducted a thorough screening process from April 13 to 24 to ensure an orderly distribution of aid.

The distribution began with residents in District 9, which includes areas such as San Antonio Village, Leonila Hill, Ambiong, Bayan Park Village, South Central Aurora Hill, East Bayan Park, and North Central Aurora Hill. Mayor Magalong has assured that the process of identifying beneficiaries is strictly non-political and adheres to the eligibility criteria set by the CSWDO.

It was clarified that beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) are disqualified from receiving the rice aid, as they typically receive assistance from other government agencies in addition to their regular benefits.

The city government utilized the PHP56 million LGSF received in February 2026 to purchase rice from the National Food Authority (NFA), ensuring the availability of resources for this essential program.